Please help - hopeless case! "Dress to impress" invite

[LadyFanny]

I've been invited to a 50th party. The invite says "Dress to impress". I literally always get these things wrong and end up feeling self-conscious.

I'm 5'2", size 12, overhanging stomach that bloats. I prefer my upper arms covered. Most importantly, I can't walk in heels. Shoes are the main problem actually. I prefer wearing flats but I don't feel dressy in them plus I feel a bit stumpy. I can wear low wedges though. Oh and I hate kitten heels.

I'm the sort of woman who lives in running and hiking and dog-walking gear. Please help me dress to impress for once!

Oh I should have added - this will be a spring party, so the shoes/outfit needs to be more summery than wintery.

Do we have a budget?

I have a pair of silver trainers I put with fancy evening dresses. I like to think they're fun, but I don't really care, I'm not wearing uncomfortable shoes for anyone these days and I do have a good evening in my trainers

@FreeWinona

Do we have a budget?

I wouldn't like to spend more than say £120 for a dress, and £100 for shoes because they'll be relegated to the back of the wardrobe no doubt afterwards

@TrophyWinner

I have a pair of silver trainers I put with fancy evening dresses. I like to think they're fun, but I don't really care, I'm not wearing uncomfortable shoes for anyone these days and I do have a good evening in my trainers

What sort of dress would you team with silver trainers?

Either a (fairly modest) shift type minidress or a long dress

The silver trainers are surprisingly useful. I also wear them with jeans and with summer dresses

I don’t think trainers (even silver ones) have a place in a ‘dress to impress’ event.

What about some sandals like these? www.marksandspencer.com/leather-wedge-espadrilles/p/clp22528463?extid=ps_ps-bpla_ggl_ww_ch__-UK-_-_testssc&gclid=CjwKCAiAz--OBhBIEiwAG1rIOqEXypg13LmyOxjFQDk0zR53RSVAZmDd6DzXTtIkF0Y7eh7qaAMW0xoCZlgQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

They could be an investment as will go with anything. I’ll have a look for dresses that might suit you..

www.frenchconnection.com/products/diya-lace-mix-bridesmaid-dress-deep-cobalt?gclid=CjwKCAiAz--OBhBIEiwAG1rIOnjrxXyF-C9YcjnMmwbp3Ue5ZIqUiOr--n1wlpOo48u6MwvnhZQ4wxoC4qoQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds This is beautiful and looks like it would be flattering on your stomach? (2 c sections here so I know what I’m talking about )

@Crayzeefrog

I don’t think trainers (even silver ones) have a place in a ‘dress to impress’ event.

What about some sandals like these? www.marksandspencer.com/leather-wedge-espadrilles/p/clp22528463?extid=ps_ps-bpla_ggl_ww_ch__-UK-_-_testssc&gclid=CjwKCAiAz--OBhBIEiwAG1rIOqEXypg13LmyOxjFQDk0zR53RSVAZmDd6DzXTtIkF0Y7eh7qaAMW0xoCZlgQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

They could be an investment as will go with anything. I’ll have a look for dresses that might suit you..

These are definitely the right sort of height - thank you 😊 I like these

What sort of event is it? Dinner? Drinks? Dinner and dancing?

It's drinks and dancing

Maybe a nice wrap dress? Covers the tummy area and will highlight your waist as it will pull you in at your smallest area, you can get longer sleeved ones too!

I have a pair of white and silver brogues which I wear with anything and everything remotely dressy. Maxi dresses, cocktail dresses, culottes etc. I can wear heels, I just can't be arsed. I get so many compliments on them. Mine are old and from Duo but they are a bit like these: www.shoezone.com/Products/Hush-Puppies-Natalie-Womens-Gold-Leather-Brogue-120175?siz=7&utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=surfaces-across-google&gclid=CjwKCAiAz--OBhBIEiwAG1rIOpVh2KBqoDG-7u60IYNwIsZkjUCBh-RuS6h4keYjL2u7a9khgc3SJhoCRXcQAvD_BwE

@Crayzeefrog

www.frenchconnection.com/products/diya-lace-mix-bridesmaid-dress-deep-cobalt?gclid=CjwKCAiAz--OBhBIEiwAG1rIOnjrxXyF-C9YcjnMmwbp3Ue5ZIqUiOr--n1wlpOo48u6MwvnhZQ4wxoC4qoQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds This is beautiful and looks like it would be flattering on your stomach? (2 c sections here so I know what I’m talking about )

I do like this - the sleeves are perfect as I'm not keen on my upper arms (I lost a lot of weight so I have saggy skin).

The only negative is that the model is 5'9" so on me this would be midi length, and I look very stumpy/cut off in midi dresses.

Love the blue though.

The invitation literally says “Dress to Impress”?

Isn’t that a bit strange? If I was inviting friends to a party I’d just want them there, not stressing about clothes. Anyway, I’m sure whatever you wear will be great and I love the sound of silver trainers. You won’t have a good time with uncomfortable shoes.

What colours do you suit/prefer/wear? Plain or patterns?

www.johnlewis.com/jolie-moi-tina-abstract-print-twisted-neck-mesh-midi-dress-pink/p5878134?sku=240594951&size=8&irclickid=2VYXMsyRwxyIUKiWAaW7RzRhUkG3WRUHiXS61M0&irgwc=1&tmcampid=99&s_afcid=af_2042056

I accept there are lots of shoes which would look better than trainers but not espadrilles And they won't even be comfy .

@tpmumtobe

What colours do you suit/prefer/wear? Plain or patterns?

I like dark colours (probably because I'm used to hiding myself away) but I'm trying to be more adventurous since I lost weight. I look very washed out in pastels and whites. My skin is very pale and I have dark hair.

@Candleabra

The invitation literally says “Dress to Impress”?

Isn’t that a bit strange? If I was inviting friends to a party I’d just want them there, not stressing about clothes. Anyway, I’m sure whatever you wear will be great and I love the sound of silver trainers. You won’t have a good time with uncomfortable shoes.

I was happy to get direction on what to wear - otherwise I'd just stress even more on whether to go smart or casual

@TrophyWinner

I accept there are lots of shoes which would look better than trainers but not espadrilles And they won't even be comfy .

Agree. Espadrilles have no place at an evening or any dressy function.

OP can you do pointed flats? They can be ready dressy. Example www.modainpelle.com/

I think ‘dress to impress’ is just a standard way of saying ‘it’s a dressed up do!’.

Sorry I can't do pointed shoes ... I have exceptionally wide toes

Gives you the option to go quite dressed up but that still can be comfortable. Look for dresses which aren't cut to be skin tight in materials which a flexible. Velvet is fashionable at the moment and dressed up, often stretchy and comfortable.

Bold lipstick / nail varnish can be another addition which adds to looking dressed up. So can jewellery.